If you're the CEO, show presence. Our former CEO went home on the afternoon and let middle management do the talking. Don't be that guy. People will be angry at

If you're the CEO, show presence. Our former CEO went home on the afternoon and let middle management do the talking. Don't be that guy. People will be angry at you and it will feel shitty. Do it anyway and absorb the blame. It's only one day. Either be visibly available or take part in the layoffs. In the layoffa, be fair, transparent and clear - but follow the protocol. Don't beat around the bush, your (and your managers') first sentence should be "We're very sorry, but we will let you go." Instilling hope or doubt where there is none is unfair, don't do it by accident. Reiterated because it's so important: nobody cares about your feelings that day. You can't make it better. Don't make it worse and be a real grown-up.